Payment Processing Under 18 (Paypal Or Shopify Payments)

Topic summary

A minor is seeking advice on payment processing options for their Shopify store, weighing PayPal versus Shopify Payments.

Key considerations:

  • PayPal currently doesn’t require ID verification, which the user sees as potentially safer
  • They have an existing PayPal account handling high-volume orders without payment freezes
  • Alternative option is using Shopify Payments through a parent’s bank account
  • Parent is willing to provide ID verification if PayPal requests it

Current status:
The discussion remains open with no definitive answer yet. The user is trying to determine which payment method poses less risk for an underage merchant, balancing operational concerns (payment freezes, verification requirements) with the need for parental involvement in either scenario.

Summarized with AI on October 29. AI used: claude-sonnet-4-5-20250929.

I’m undecisive on whether to use PayPal or Shopify payments considering my age, whereas PayPal doesn’t ask for ID verification, I might have a safer bet of running a successful business. Anybody have any thoughts or insight? (Should have referenced on my last post)

2 Likes

Totally understand that, I have a PayPal that is in good running order and can manage high volume and consistent orders without payments being frozen..

So am I safer using Paypal or should I use Shopify Payments and go through my parents bank? If PayPal asks for ID verification, everything is fine and my parent is more than willing to do so.